Amelia, Ohio

My ratings by kids age

Top o' the world

Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge is a family friendly place. Lots to do and see. The Aquarium, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, Driving to the top of the mountain to see the view, lots of little shops, restaurants, a good place to make memories. Cabins galore...wildlife... just beautiful!

Tips for Families

Staying close to the main strip can cut down on your driving time during peak travel season. You can walk to most places if you stay close to the strip.

Eminence, Kentucky

My ratings by kids age

Fun Weekend Getaway

We always love going to the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, Tennessee area. There is so much to do! We love checking out all of the different types of restaurants, from the best pancakes anywhere, to country cooking, to the regular restaurant chains. We also love that there are so many attractions in this area. This trip was our first time on the sky lift, and what a sight at the top! We will definitely take the whole family back soon! We also like all of the shopping that this part of Tennessee offers. There are numerous outlet malls, crafty shops, and tourist stores. If you can think of it, Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge probably has it!

Tips for Families

So much to do, you have to pick and choose!

Suggestions for nearby family-friendly accommodations

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Suggestions for nearby family-friendly restaurants

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My Kid's Review

A tradition I've kept since I could remember. Every time I go here -- I must ride the Sky Lift. No questions asked. I pay my dues ($11), ride up the rocky, barely holding onto the cable chair, and enjoy the view. Being one who tends to have a severe case of vertigo when I look down, this is one example where it doesn't really affect me except for the first part of the trip up. Once my eyes get adjusted to the route, all is well. If you have this same problem -- try this trick. Look straight in front of you or look up. Don't look down until you start ascending. Once you've started ascending, it really isn't that bad. Side note - Wear closed toe shoes when you ride this. Unless you want to take off your shoes...

I was freaking out on this thing - you're going up a mountain in a rickety chair, seeing the support poles for the cables on steep angles coming out of the ground and you're wondering how in the world they're staying in there. Add that to the fact I'm not exactly a thrill-seeker or lover of heights. But I'm not going to dock stars because I'm a giant baby. The reason I gave it three stars was because it's pretty expensive and it would have been nice if there was something at the top other than the view but all in all, I'm glad I did it. Oh and this should be number one on the obvious meter but apparently many people didn't get the memo: don't wear flip flops or shoes that easily slide off [if you're wea...

Every summer in the 1980s, my parents would load up the station wagon and we'd go to the Smokey Mountains. After a two-day drive, in which my sister and I would pound the snot out of each other, Gatlinburg was our home base. My fondest memories involve the Sky Lift. As a stupid kid, I used to imagine a few scenarios as we made the steep trip up: 1) A bear was going to rush out of the woods and gnaw our feet off 2) The line would break and we could go tumbling down the mountain, over and over These things never happened, obviously, since I am still very much alive and have both my feet, but it was fun to imagine that they could. If you want your kids to love you when they're grown, you'll make sure you force ...

Like most places in a tourist town, you are going to pay a premium for most things, and this experience is just that type of deal. If you have a family of 4, you are going to bust the $50.00 mark, but I would do it if you can swing it as it is a great little thrill. Each lift chair hold two people, and the trip up is my favorite as it really gives you an idea of how steep the incline of the mountain is. The equipment appears to be very well maintained and they run a tight ship when it comes to safety. Like nearly all things in a tourist town, they have a shop at the top of the mountain and try to sell you a picture they take of you on the way up the hill. Cheesy to some, but fun. Don't just run to take ...